00:00A Liverpool City Council are aiming to improve housing conditions and increasing home ownership across the city.
00:06These proposals are part of a broader effort by the local authority to address housing challenges affecting communities across the
00:13city.
00:13Councilors have been considering three key measures designed to improve housing standards and increase the availability of homes.
00:19It depends on if they're getting redeveloped for people to buy, you can afford them, and what happens to people
00:26who can't.
00:27And also, there's the homeless, there's loads of empty buildings that could be used for the homeless.
00:32Yeah, I think it's a great idea to rejuvenate some of the older houses, mainly because the older houses seem
00:38to have a lot more character, and also I think that they're a lot better built.
00:43The first focuses on selective licensing in the private rented sector.
00:46This requires landlords in designated areas to hold a license and meet specific standards.
00:51According to the council, the schemes already help tackle poor housing conditions and protect tenants.
00:56Now, a public consultation is being proposed to shape what happens when the current scheme ends after 2027.
01:03Residents, landlords and letting agents would be asked whether a future scheme should apply across the whole city or target
01:09specific neighbourhoods.
01:11A final decision will be made by the cabinet after that consultation.
01:14They've got to get their premises up to scratch.
01:17There's laws out now for damp, mould, whatever, and I know it's not an easy answer, but I'm in a
01:22similar situation myself.
01:23Another proposal by the council addresses long-term empty homes, which the council says can cause significant problems for local
01:31communities.
01:32The plan combines stronger enforcement power, such as enforced sales and compulsory purchase, with financial support for owners willing to
01:38renovate vacant properties.
01:40Under the scheme, grants would be available to help bring back empty homes into use, with a focus on increasing
01:46affordable rented housing where possible.
01:48Definitely some areas are definitely left behind, like all the redevelopment down the docks.
01:54It's all for people who've got money and profit and all that.
01:58I mean, I've got a relative who works in the building and there's just no money in the building at
02:03the moment for new houses.
02:04I know that's some of the modern housing they put up now.
02:07It looks really good, but down the line there tends to be a lot of problems.
02:11So the older houses, they're a lot more stability, a lot more character and a lot more charm.
02:16And if they can bring them back for good use, you know, good on you, because it's part of Liverpool's
02:20heritage, isn't it?
02:21The council is continuing its freehold sales programme.
02:24This allows long leaseholders of single residential properties to buy the freehold of their homes at a fixed price.
02:31Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, says the scheme gives residents a clearer and more secure path
02:37to full ownership,
02:37while also reducing administrative costs for the council.
02:40I think it's just going to give people hope that, you know, they might get onto the housing ladder,
02:45like they're going to get some more secure accommodation.
02:47And I think that's really important.
02:49And for somebody who's quite young, you know, obviously I'm thinking about the future and it's like,
02:53what is going to be available to me?
02:55What am I going to be able to afford or even think about in terms of housing?
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